railway Archives - Emerging Horizons

Drive the Pikes Peak Highway

Candy B. Harrington Colorado, Colorado Springs, Crystal Reservoir, drive, Glen Cove, highway, Pikes Peak, railway May 24, 2024

Known as America’s Mountain, Pikes Peak is a don’t-miss while you’re in the Colorado Springs area. Of course you can certainly admire the mountain from afar; however there are also two accessible ways to get to the top. One way is take the Pikes Peak Cog Railway and leave the driving to someone else. And although the railway is also a must-do while you’re in the area, save some time to take the other accessible route to the top — drive the Pikes Peak Highway. Not only is it an equally scenic alternative, but you can take things at your own pace and spend as much time on top as you like.

The Basics

The Pikes Peak Highway is located about 15 miles west of Colorado Springs, just off Highway 24 in Cascade. The tollgate is a quarter-mile past the North Pole amusement park. In an effort to make sure there’s ample parking at the summit for all guests, a timed entry permit is required from late May to late September. The permits are good for a two-hour window, and one permit per car is required. In addition to the permit, everyone in the car must also purchase an admission ticket. Timed entry permits and admission tickets are available at https://coloradosprings.gov/pikes-peak-americas-mountain/page/tickets-and-reservations.

The road closes at night, and although it’s technically open year-round, the higher elevations are closed in the winter. Typically the road is only open to the 13-mile mark beginning in mid-October, or after the first snow storm. The round-trip drive itself usually takes two to three hours, but if you plan on stopping at every viewpoint, allow four or five hours. Best bet is to get an early start and have at least a half-tank of gas when you begin. Don’t be in a rush to get to the top, but remember to use the pullouts if you go slower than the traffic flow.

Crystal Reservoir

The 20-mile route starts at 7,800 feet and climbs to the 14,115-foot summit with lots of scenic overlooks along the way. Pikes Peak is first visible around the three-mile mark as the highway winds through Pike National Forest.

The Crystal Reservoir Visitor Center is located at the six-mile mark. Accessible parking is available on a level asphalt patch and there are accessible vault toilets in the parking lot. There’s level access to the visitor center and gift shop, and some nice accessible picnic tables on a cement slab next to the visitor center. And there’s also a short 200-yard paved pathway down to the boat ramp, which offers a nice view of the reservoir. The path to the right of the visitor center winds past some accessible restrooms and also dead ends in the reservoir. It’s about a .2-mile round trip hike.

The road begins to slowly climb up the hill past the Crystal Reservoir Visitor Center, and the Halfway Picnic Area is about four miles ahead on the right. At first glance this stop appears to be a no-go for wheelchair-users as there are no accessible parking spots or restrooms along the main road. That said, if you turn down the dirt road just before the parking area there’s a nice secluded accessible table next to an accessible vault toilet. And there’s a large level area to park near the facilities.

Glen Cove and Beyond

Glen Cove, which is located near mile 13, is also worth a stop. There’s accessible parking in front of the lodge, with ramp access to the front door. Inside there’s plenty or room to maneuver around the gift shop, and over to the small café which offers burgers, hot dogs and snacks. An accessible family restroom is also located inside. A small picnic area with accessible tables on a cement pad is located on the the right side of the building. Glen Cove is also the site of the mandatory brake check on the way back down the mountain.

As you climb up the mountain past Glen Cove you get a real sense of the the elevation gain. After mile 14 there’s a lot of exposure and precious few guardrails, so if you’re skittish about heights it’s best to turn around at Glen Cove. Alternatively you can take the shuttle bus from the mile 7 parking area. Advance tickets are required to take the shuttle, and a lift-equipped bus is available upon request. Shuttle tickets can be purchased at https://coloradosprings.gov/pikes-peak-americas-mountain/page/tickets-and-reservations.

Be sure and stop at the pullout near mile 16 for an impressive view of the switchbacks below, as well as Pikes Peak Reservoir and the Platte River Valley. And as you near the top, be on the lookout for big horn sheep

At the Summit

At the top there’s accessible parking and barrier-free access to the Summit House, which was constructed in 2021. Inside there’s level access to the visitor center, a gift shop, a cafeteria and accessible restrooms. The cafeteria serves up sandwiches, burgers and soup, but their homemade doughnuts are a must on any Pikes Peak adventure.

Save some time to browse through the interpretive exhibits which include information on the history, geology and climate of Pikes Peak, as well as an entertaining story about the first woman to summit the mountain — “the bloomer girl”. And don’t forget to take the elevator upstairs for more spectacular mountain views before you head back down the mountain. And when you head downhill, you’ll be treated to an entirely new set of windshield views!

View from the summit of Pikes Peaks Highway

Destination

Five Wheelchair-Accessible Mount Rainier Views

Candy B. Harrington Jackson Visitor Center, Kautz Creek, Mount Rainier, national park, railway, Reflection Lake, Sunrise, view, Washington March 17, 2024

Located in Northwest Washington, Mount Rainier towers 14,410 feet over the surrounding alpine meadows. And when the “mountain is out” it’s visible from as far away as Seattle, Portland and even Vancouver. That said, there’s nothing like a close look at this active volcano, which can be had from Mount Rainier National Park , as well as aboard a local rail excursion. Although it’s only possible to access these sites in the summer season, due to snow and road closures; they are definitely worth a visit. So take some time to to check out these wheelchair-accessible Mount Rainier views on your next Washington national park road trip.

Kautz Creek Boardwalk

Located about three miles east of the Nisqually Entrance to Mount Rainier National Park, the Kautz Creek Boardwalk is one of the newest accessible trails in the park. There’s accessible parking near the picnic area, with level access to the .1-mile boardwalk across the street. The boardwalk leads through a section of forest that’s still recovering from a 1947 glacier generated debris flow, and it ends in a crushed granite viewing area with a few benches. And on a clear day, you just can’t beat the Mount Rainier view from there.

Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center

Next up on our list of wheelchair-accessible Mount Rainier views is the Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center, which is located about 14 miles up the road in Paradise. This area of the park was named by an early settler who reportedly exclaimed “Oh, what a paradise!” when she first saw it. And it’s a fitting description. There’s accessible parking in front of the building, with barrier-free access to all areas of the visitor center. The visitor center offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the area, but you’ll also get a great Mount Rainier view if you just step out the back door. And if you hit this stop at the right time in the summer, you’ll also be treated to a nice view of the wildflower-filled meadows.

Reflection Lake Pullout

The next stop is about 3.5 miles up the road at the Reflection Lake Pullout. Although the lake is on the left side, the most accessible viewpoint is located on the right. The small parking area includes an accessible parking place with curb-cut access out to the viewpoint. And you just can’t beat the stunning reflection of Mount Rainer in the water. This is also a great stop for folks who have trouble walking, as you can get a nice windshield view from the pullout.

Sunrise Visitor Center

The highest point in Mount Rainier National Park which can be reached by vehicle is located in Sunrise, about 60 miles northeast of the Nisqually Entrance. And it just makes sense that you’ll get a good mountain view from this 6,400 foot vantage point. Although the front entrance to the Sunrise Visitor Center has steps, there’s an accessible side entrance. There are a number of interpretive exhibits inside, but the main attraction is the view. You’ll get an absolutely jaw-dropping glimpse of the mountain from the spotting scope on the far side of the room. It’s definitely worth the drive! Plan ahead though, as the visitor center is generally only open from July through mid-September, as the road closes after the first substantial snowfall.

Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad

The Nisqually River Viewed from Mount Rainier Railroad

Last but not least on our list of wheelchair-accessible Mount Rainier views, is the impressive vista that can be seen aboard the Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad (mtrainierrailroad.com). This seasonal train excursion departs from the Elbe depot, which is just 15 minutes from the Nisqually Entrance. There’s accessible parking near the depot, with barrier-free access to the building. Accessible restrooms are located next door, and there are plenty of accessible pathways around the outside depot area. There’s lift access up to the roomy baggage car, which has plenty of room for a wheelchair. This scenic excursion travels along the Nisqually River and offers no shortage of photo worthy views. And there’s an announcement right before you round the corner for that iconic Mount Rainier view. And with the large open doorways and a safety fence in place, wheelchair-users have the perfect vantage point. It’s a great addition to any Mount Rainier visit.

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